Comments on: Self-promotion Sabbatical & The American Idol Syndrome

By: Aly

Aly — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:52:21 +0000

Thank you. Something I needed to hear. For two reasons…

1. As someone starting out in this craft, anytime I get anywhere near a seasoned professional I immediately start to belittle myself and shut down, afraid that the moment I open my mouth I’ll be exposed as a fraud or just another chick with a camera who calls herself a photographer. It’s nice to know that their are photogs out their who don’t look down their noses at the “newbies”

2. Humility is something I need to always keep in check. It really does all come down to the heart. You reminded me to always remember WHY I want to pursue this as a career. . . because I LOVE to create art. Not for the kudos, not for the money but simply because it brings me joy.

Thanks for being so transparent.

By: Carie Thompson

Carie Thompson — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:14:05 +0000

David, I want to thank you for sharing this very personal journey you are having. It made me look in the mirror and look back to see if I was doing the same thing. I am certain I have some of these same traits. The ever trying to prove to everyone that we are not part of the inner yuckiness we once had at our most vulnerable times in our youth. Having faith in God, the universe, or whatever a person believes in, is the fundamental basis of most of my decisions in life these days. Listening to the direction we are guided in and being aware enough to do something about it.
Oftentimes I question myself asking, “Why am I doing this photography thing?” Being torn within myself is no fun. On one hand I want to make a difference in everyone’s life with it, and on the other hand I want to show my inner demons and self-hating part that it is wrong, and I CAN be successful.
Then, how does an artist define being successful? When am I successful? Is it correct to think about it this way? Is success when I am shooting for Vogue magazine, or traveling the world documenting what I see through my lens? Or am I successful when I do it for someone else?
Thank you for your words my friend. It’s good to see that I am not alone in these feelings. I love your humility David, it’s inspirational.

By: Sherita Leslie

Sherita Leslie — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:30:32 +0000

I loved this post!!! Thank you for being so open and truly making a big difference in my day.

By: lacy dagerath

lacy dagerath — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:21:01 +0000

Wow… So transparent… Thank you for that… You’re post has reminded me of things that I desperately needed to be aware of… Self aware…. We do get so sucked into the things that are irrelevant… Thank you for bringing a little reality back!! (Let another man praise you and not your own mouth… Proverbs 27:2) I don’t know you…but I will say you are obviously brilliant… and I don’t even mean photographically! Thank you for sharing!
Pride always comes before the fall… You beat pride to the punch!

By: Leslee Mitchell

Leslee Mitchell — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:16:31 +0000

David,

This is a great article. Thank you for sharing your heart & your time. You have a great witness. Thank you.

Leslee

By: peter bang

peter bang — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:37:11 +0000

Love your humility David. Thanks for sharing.

By: David Bean

David Bean — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:17:32 +0000

Stan, Thanks, you can post it anywhere you want. Use this link:

http://blog.visualreserve.com/?p=136

By: stan kaady

stan kaady — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:04:52 +0000

Good work, David. This is one of the best post I’ve read from ANYONE in the last several months. Is there a way to Re-Tweet your post?

By: Adrienne Gray

Adrienne Gray — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:07 +0000

Thank you sincerely for this post David.

By: Dave Hill

Dave Hill — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:44:30 +0000

great post Bean! i love that you aren’t scared to share your faith in your photo blog. it’s funny how most of the time we end up blogging about the truly UN-important things in life. keep rockin’